A spokesman for GMP said: “The driver of the Mercedes, an 18-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been rebailed until January 24.

“A file has been prepared and sent to the Crown Prosecution Service to make a final decision.”

Police said a 19-year-old man who was driving a Volkswagen Golf will face no further action and has been released from bail without charge.

The spokesman added that officers were satisfied the Mercedes and the VW Golf were not racing at the time of the crash in Bury New Road on the evening of September 1.

Bury-born defender Mr Meppen-Walter has been at City since 2003 and has represented England at under-17 level.

Police were looking into whether the crash was caused by the footballer racing the other driver. Sgt Danny Byrne, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is an incredibly complex and sensitive investigation and it is important we balance the needs of the families, who have suffered unimaginable grief, with the facts as we have them.

“Having reviewed all the available information and evidence, I am satisfied that the vehicles were not racing each other and the driver of the VW Golf is not involved in this incident.

“A file of evidence has now been completed and passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision on the driver of the Mercedes.”

Police said Ravel Kaur’s sons, aged 16 and 17, who were back seat passengers, were making a good recovery from head injuries they suffered.

*Anyone with information about the accident should call the Serious Collision Unit on 0161 856 4742.